Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Make the orzo pasta according to the package directions.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, add all of the basil pesto ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or high speed blender. Pulse for 2-3 seconds until the pesto is smooth and no chunks remain. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3

When the pasta is done, drain it and rinse it with cold water. Chop and slice the tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers.

Step 4

Transfer the orzo to a large bowl and mix it with half of the pesto. Add the remaining ingredients and the rest of the pesto and toss again to coat everything in the pesto. Top with fresh basil and serve room temperature or chilled.